Jesus Is Coming

Luke 1:39-56 (New International Version)

Mary Visits Elizabeth

 ³⁹At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, ⁴⁰where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴²In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! ⁴³But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Mary's Song

 ⁴⁶And Mary said: 
   "My soul glorifies the Lord 
    ⁴⁷and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 
 ⁴⁸for he has been mindful 
      of the humble state of his servant. 
   From now on all generations will call me blessed, 
    ⁴⁹for the Mighty One has done great things for me— 
      holy is his name. 
 ⁵⁰His mercy extends to those who fear him, 
      from generation to generation. 
 ⁵¹He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; 
      he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 
 ⁵²He has brought down rulers from their thrones 
      but has lifted up the humble. 
 ⁵³He has filled the hungry with good things 
      but has sent the rich away empty. 
 ⁵⁴He has helped his servant Israel, 
      remembering to be merciful 
 ⁵⁵to Abraham and his descendants forever, 
      even as he said to our fathers."

 ⁵⁶Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Jesus was coming into the world.  The Holy Spirit was announcing it through Elizabeth and Mary.  The angels were announcing it.  Moved by the Holy Spirit, even John the baptist was announcing it from his mother Elizabeth's womb.  This was some of the greatest news ever to be announced.  Jesus, the Lord, was coming into the world.  He was true God, one with the Father from eternity, putting on human flesh so that He could save his people Israel by remembering to be merciful to them. 

There is just as great news today.  Jesus is coming to earth once again to judge the world.  We don't know how soon, but we know he is coming.  The Holy Spirit has told us through His word. He is coming to be merciful to his chosen people Israel, all who have been given faith in Him.  

The first time He came He was born a baby and raised to become a man, the man who died on the cross for the sins of the whole world.  The next time He will come on clouds still bearing those scars that earned eternal life for all who believe in Him.

My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because He is remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever.